S. Korea, Britain discuss N. Korea, Brexit in ministerial talks

Thursday, July 19, 2018 | 18:07:26

(VOVWORLD) - South Korea and Britain had a ministerial meeting in London this week on improving strategic partnerships between the two sides on a broad range of diplomatic and economic issues, Seoul's foreign ministry said Thursday.

On her first trip there as South Korea's top diplomat, Kang Kyung-wha met with her new British counterpart Jeremy Hunt. It marked the fourth "strategic dialogue" between the two countries. Kang briefed him on the South Korean government's efforts for the complete denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, and requested Britain's continued support for the initiative. The British Foreign Secretary stressed the need to maintain international sanctions on North Korea until it takes concrete steps toward denuclearization.

On Brexit, Kang and Hunt also pointed out that the transitional period, agreed to in the EU summit in March, will be conducive to smooth shifts in related treaties. The formal transition time is due to last from the official Brexit day on March 29, 2019, to Dec. 31, 2020. They agreed to continue close cooperation for the sustainable development of bilateral ties even after Brexit.